Louisianans should be aware that when there are allegations of cybercrime, the penalties for a conviction can be significant not just in jail time and fines, but on a personal basis as well. It might seem to be a relatively new phenomenon for there to be charges and punishments for a crime committed using a computer, but that does not reduce the severity a conviction can have on a person's life. Formulating a strong defense regardless of the charges is integral to the case and must be done immediately.

Five Louisiana men were placed under arrest for various offenses linked to child pornography. The charges include more than 300 counts of criminal activities related to children. The men were placed under arrest by the cybercrime unit of the state attorney general. The allegations are attributed to distribution, production, possession or possession with the intent to distribute pornography with juveniles.

For each count, there can be as much as 20 years in jail if they are convicted. One man, 58, was charged with 30 counts of child pornography. Another man, 24, was charged with 250 counts. Another man from Louisiana was arrested in Michigan. In addition, a 59-year-old man was arrested on 15 counts; an 18-year-old man on 18 counts; and a 20-year-old man on charged of distributing child pornography.

These charges are multi-pronged and very serious. Not only do these men face the legal problems that go along with charges related to these crimes, but they also must deal with the social stigma that can prevent them from living a normal life. There could be a logical explanation for having these illegal images. It might be that there was a misunderstanding. Or a person could have gotten caught up in a situation that they did not know how to get out of. The evidence is the key to a case of this kind and having legal help with going through how the state has come to the decision to make an arrest and file charges is paramount. Those who have been arrested on these crimes need to make sure they have a strong defense. Contacting an attorney is the first step.

Source: nola.com, "Marrero man among 5 arrested on child porn charges, attorney says," Wilborn P. Nobles III, Feb. 13, 2017